Court Rules
Magistrate Judge

Judge Christopher J. Burke

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
District of Delaware

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion in Limine
3 pgs
Document
40 pgs
Reply Letter
2 pgs
Claim Construction Answering Brief
30 pgs
Claim Construction Reply Brief
20 pgs
Claim Construction Opening Brief
20 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Attorney filings

Brief, Appendix, Exhibit, Declaration, Affidavit

  • 2 copies

Brief, Appendix, Exhibit, Declaration, Affidavit, Sealed Document

  • 2 copies • By Noon Next Business Day

Brief, Exhibits, Declarations, Affidavits, Appendices

  • 2 copies • Within 24 Hours

Communication

Email

Chambers

samantha_miller@ded.uscourts.gov
Filters:

Page & Word Limits64 rules

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

In limine requests: support and opposition limited to 3 pages each, reply limited to 1 page. If multiple parties support or oppose, they must combine into a single 3-page submission (and single 1-page reply).

In limine support
Up to 3 pages
In limine opposition
Up to 3 pages
In limine combined support opposition
Up to 3 pages

Court's wording

each in limine request may be supported by a maximum of three (3) pages of argument and may be opposed by a maximum of three (3) pages of argument, and the party making the in limine request may add a maximum of one (1) additional page in reply in support of its request. If more than one party is supporting or opposing an in limine request, such support or opposition shall be combined in a single three (3) page submission (and, if the moving party, a single one (1) page reply), unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Within seven (7) days after the filing of a motion in compliance with this Order, any party opposing such a motion shall file a responsive letter, not to exceed five (5) single-spaced pages.

Opposition letter
Up to 5 pages
Applies to
  • Amend motions
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to amend.

Letter
Up to 2 pages
Format
Single-spaced
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 10
|SectionJoinder of Other Parties and Amendment of Pleadings
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions to strike must be accompanied by a letter not exceeding 3 single-spaced pages instead of an opening brief.

Letter
Up to 3 pages
Format
Single-spaced

Court's wording

Any motion to strike any pleading or other document or testimony shall NOT be accompanied by an opening brief but shall, instead, be accompanied by a letter, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, describing the basis for the requested relief, and shall attach the document to be stricken.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike.

Letter
Up to 2 pages
Format
Single-spaced
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions to amend must be accompanied by a letter not exceeding 3 single-spaced pages instead of an opening brief.

Letter
Up to 3 pages
Format
Single-spaced

Court's wording

Any motion to amend a pleading shall NOT be accompanied by an opening brief but shall, instead, be accompanied by a letter, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, describing the basis for the requested relief, and shall attach the proposed amended pleading as well as a "blackline" comparison to the prior pleading.

Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 10
|SectionJoinder of Other Parties and Amendment of Pleadings
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to amend.

Reply letter
Up to 2 pages
Applies to
  • Amend motions
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike.

Reply letter
Up to 2 pages
Applies to
  • Strike motions
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Within seven (7) days after the filing of a motion in compliance with this Order, any party opposing such a motion shall file a responsive letter, not to exceed five (5) single-spaced pages.

Letter
Up to 5 pages
Format
Single-spaced
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 10
|SectionJoinder of Other Parties and Amendment of Pleadings
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Each party may comment, in writing (in no more than 5 pages) on the opposing party’s tutorial. Any such comment shall be filed no later than seven days after the Joint Claim Construction Brief is due.

Tutorial comment
Up to 5 pages per party
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 11
|Section11. Tutorial Describing the Technology and Matters in Issue
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Reply to motion to stay opposition limited to 2 single-spaced pages, filed within 3 days.

Letter
Up to 2 pages
Format
Single-spaced

Court's wording

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to stay.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Moving party may file reply letter (max 2 single-spaced pages) within 3 days, and parties may request teleconference.

Reply letter
Up to 2 pages

Court's wording

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to stay.

Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 11
|Sectionc. Reply Letter and Teleconference Request
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions to stay must use a letter (max 3 single-spaced pages) instead of an opening brief.

Letter
Up to 3 pages
Format
Single-spaced

Court's wording

Any motion to stay shall NOT be accompanied by an opening brief but shall, instead, be accompanied by a letter, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, describing the basis for the requested relief.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Defendant shall serve, but not file, its answering claim construction brief, not to exceed 30 pages, on or before ____________, 202_.

Claim construction answering brief
Up to 30 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Defendant shall serve, but not file, its answering claim construction brief, not to exceed 30 pages, on or before ____________, 202_.

Page limit
Up to 30 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its opening brief, not to exceed 20 pages, on claim construction on or before ____________, 202_.

Claim construction opening brief
Up to 20 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Defendant shall serve, but not file, its sur-reply brief, not to exceed 10 pages, on or before ____________, 202_.

Page limit
Up to 10 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its opening brief, not to exceed 20 pages, on claim construction on or before ____________, 202_.

Opening brief
Up to 20 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Defendant shall serve, but not file, its sur-reply brief, not to exceed 10 pages, on or before ____________, 202_.

sur-reply
Up to 10 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its reply brief, not to exceed 20 pages, on or before ____________, 202_.

Page limit
Up to 20 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its reply brief, not to exceed 20 pages, on or before ____________, 202_.

Reply
Up to 20 pages
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Letter brief seeking leave to file early case dispositive motion is limited to 4 single-spaced pages.

Letter
Up to 4 pages
Format
Single-spaced
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions

Court's wording

A party seeking leave to file a case dispositive motion prior to ten (10) days before the deadline set forth above shall do so by filing a motion and an accompanying letter brief with the Court of no more than four (4) single-spaced pages, explaining the reasons why an earlier-filed motion should be permitted.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Responsive letter brief to contest early motion leave request is limited to 4 single-spaced pages with no reply briefs permitted.

Letter
Up to 4 pages
Format
Single-spaced

Court's wording

If any party wishes to contest this request, it may do so by filing a responsive letter brief of no more than four (4) single-spaced pages, within seven (7) days from the date the requesting party filed its brief. No reply briefs shall be filed.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Opposition to summary judgment requires response to concise statement (max 6 pages) with paragraph-by-paragraph admissions/disputes.

Page limit
Up to 6 pages
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions

Court's wording

Any party opposing the motion shall include with its opposing papers a response to the moving party’s concise statement, not to exceed six pages, which admits or disputes the facts set forth in the moving party’s concise statement on a paragraph-by-paragraph basis. To the extent a fact is disputed, the basis of the dispute shall be supported by specific citation(s) to the record. Failure to respond to a fact presented in the moving party’s concise statement of facts shall indicate that fact is not in dispute for purposes of summary judgment.

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

The moving party shall include with its reply papers a response to the opposing party’s concise statement of facts, not to exceed four pages, on a paragraph-by- paragraph basis.

Page limit
Up to 4 pages
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Any party opposing the motion shall include with its opposing papers a response to the moving party's concise statement, not to exceed six pages

Opposition
Up to 6 pages
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 15
|SectionRule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures and E-Discovery Default Standard
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Opposing party may include their own concise statement of facts limited to 4 pages.

Opposition
Up to 4 pages
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions

Court's wording

The party opposing the motion may also include with its opposing papers a separate concise statement, not to exceed four pages, which sets forth material facts as to which the opposing party contends there is a genuine issue to be tried.

Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 15
|SectionRule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures and E-Discovery Default Standard
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Moving party's concise statement for summary judgment limited to 6 pages.

Page limit
Up to 6 pages
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions

Court's wording

judgment shall be accompanied by a separate concise statement, not to exceed six pages, which details each material fact that the moving party contends is essential for the Court's resolution of the summary judgment motion (not the entire case)

Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 15
|SectionRule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures and E-Discovery Default Standard
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

The moving party shall include with its reply papers a response to the opposing party's concise statement of facts, not to exceed four pages

Reply
Up to 4 pages
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 15
|SectionRule 26(a)(1) Initial Disclosures and E-Discovery Default Standard
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Combined page limits: 40 pages per side for case dispositive motions, increased to 50/50/25 with Daubert motions.

Page limit
Up to 40 pages in total per side
Applies to
  • Rule 56 motions
  • Rule 50 motions
  • Rule 59 motions
  • Rule 60 motions
  • Daubert motions

Court's wording

Page limits combined with Daubert motion page limits. Each party is permitted to file as many case dispositive motions as desired; provided, however, that each SIDE will be limited to a combined total of 40 pages for all opening briefs, a combined total of 40 the number of case dispositive motions that are filed. In the event that a party files, in addition to a case dispositive motion, a Daubert motion to exclude or preclude all or any portion of an expert’s testimony, the total amount of pages permitted for all case dispositive and Daubert motions shall be increased to 50 pages for all opening briefs, 50 pages for all answering briefs, and 25 pages for all reply briefs for each SIDE.

Document Format Requirements11 rules

FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

For irregularly sized physical exhibits, the party seeking to use the demonstrative will provide a color representation as a PDF of 8.5 x 11 copies of the exhibits.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Demonstrative exhibit
CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 7
|SectionDemonstrative Exhibits
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

Demonstratives must be provided in PDF format, except videos/animations which require DVD/CD.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Demonstrative exhibit

Formatting

  • PDF for static demonstratives
  • DVD or CD for video/animations

Court's wording

The party seeking to use a demonstrative will provide a color representation of the demonstrative to the other side in PDF form. However, for video or animations, the party seeking to use the demonstrative will provide it to the other side on a DVD or CD.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 7
|SectionDemonstrative Exhibits
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

c. Format. ESI and non-ESI shall be produced to the requesting party as text searchable image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF) .

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • ESI
  • Non-ESI
EDiscov · p. 5
|Section5. Specific E-Discovery Issues
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

The parties shall produce their information in the following format: single page TIFF images and associated multi-page text files containing extracted text or OCR with Concordance and Opticon load files containing all requisite information including relevant metadata.

EDiscov · p. 6
|Section5. Specific E-Discovery Issues
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

When a text-searchable image file is produced , the producing party must preserve the integrity of the underlying ESI , i.e., the original formatting , the metadata (as noted below) and , where applicable , the revision history.

EDiscov · p. 6
|Section5. Specific E-Discovery Issues
FormattingImportantCivil cases

The party seeking to use a demonstrative will provide a color representation of the demonstrative to the other side in PDF form. However, for video or animations, the party seeking to use the demonstrative will provide it to the other side on a DVD or CD. For irregularly sized physical exhibits, the party seeking to use the demonstrative will provide a color representation as a PDF of 8.5 x 11 copies of the exhibits.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Demonstrative

Formatting

  • Video or animations must be provided on DVD or CD
  • Exemptions: demonstratives created during testimony or used for cross examination
FormattingImportantCivil cases

For produced ESI, the parties need provide only the listed metadata fields, and only to the extent that the metadata exists.

Court's wording

e. Metadata fields. The parties are only obligated to provide the following metadata for all ESI produced , to the extent such metadata exists: Custodian , File Path , Email Subject, Conversation Index, From , To , CC , BCC , Date Sent, Time Sent, Date Received , Time Received , Filename, Author, Date Created, Date Modified , MD5 Hash, File Size , File Extension , Control Number Begin , Control Number End, Attachment Range , Attachment Begin , and Attachment End (or the equivalent thereof)

EDiscov · p. 6
|Section5. Specific E-Discovery Issues
FormattingImportantCivil cases

d. Native files. The only files that should be produced in native format are files not easily converted to image format, such as Excel and Access files .

EDiscov · p. 6
|Section5. Specific E-Discovery Issues
FormattingImportantCivil cases

They must be double-spaced, in no less than a 12-point font

Font size
12 points
Line spacing
Double
Mediation Order 2023 0 · p. 4
|SectionCONFIDENTIAL MEDIATION STATEMENTS
FormattingImportant

The parties should highlight in yellow those portions of the exhibits that are particularly important and that they want the Court to focus on.

Guidelines for Discovery Disputes-CJB · p. 1
|SectionGuidelines for Discovery Disputes
FormattingImportant

With regard to other types of exhibits the parties attach to their letter briefs, the parties should highlight in yellow those portions of the exhibits that are particularly important and that they want the Court to focus on.

Guidelines for Discovery Disputes-CJB · p. 1
|SectionGuidelines for Discovery Disputes

Document Filing Requirements77 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

To the extent that factual issues are disputed or are otherwise central to the Court's analysis, the parties shall attach as an exhibit (or exhibits) to their letter briefs sworn declarations or affidavits regarding those issues.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The movant's opening letter brief shall include as attachments: (1) a proposed order, attached as an exhibit, setting out the nature of the relief requested of the Court; and (2) to the extent that the dispute relates to responses to certain discovery requests, an attached exhibit (or exhibits) containing the requests and the responses in dispute. To the extent that factual issues are disputed or are otherwise central to the Court's analysis, the parties shall attach as an exhibit (or exhibits) to their letter briefs sworn declarations or affidavits regarding those issues.

Document
Letter

Must include

  • Proposed order
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 8
|SectionDiscovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The movant's opening letter brief shall include as attachments: (1) a proposed order, attached as an exhibit, setting out the nature of the relief requested of the Court; and (2) to the extent that the dispute relates to responses to certain discovery requests, an attached exhibit (or exhibits) containing the requests and the responses in dispute.

Document
Letter brief

Must include

  • Proposed order
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions to strike must be accompanied by a 3-page single-spaced letter and the document to be stricken.

Document
Motion to strike

Must include

  • Document to be stricken

Court's wording

Any motion to strike any pleading or other document or testimony shall NOT be accompanied by an opening brief but shall, instead, be accompanied by a letter, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, describing the basis for the requested relief, and shall attach the document to be stricken.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions to amend must be accompanied by a 3-page single-spaced letter and proposed amended pleading with blackline comparison.

Document
Motion to amend

Must include

  • Blackline comparison
  • Proposed amended pleading

Court's wording

Any motion to amend a pleading shall NOT be accompanied by an opening brief but shall, instead, be accompanied by a letter, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, describing the basis for the requested relief, and shall attach the proposed amended pleading as well as a "blackline" comparison to the prior pleading.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions to stay must be accompanied by a letter (max 3 single-spaced pages) instead of an opening brief.

Court's wording

Any motion to stay shall NOT be accompanied by an opening brief but shall, instead, be accompanied by a letter, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages, describing the basis for the requested relief.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

No later than _____________, the parties shall file a Joint Claim Construction Brief.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The parties shall copy and paste their unfiled briefs into one brief, with their positions on each claim term in sequential order, in substantially the form below:

Document
Joint claim construction brief

Must include

  • Sequential order
  • Positions on each claim term
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A copy of the patent(s) at issue as well as those portions of the intrinsic record relied upon shall be submitted with this Joint Claim Construction Chart.

Document
Joint claim construction chart

Must include

  • Intrinsic record portions
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 12
|Section12. Claim Construction Issue Identification
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The Joint Claim Construction Chart, in Word format, shall be e-mailed simultaneously with filing to Samantha_Miller@ded.uscourts.gov.

Document
Joint claim construction chart

Must include

  • Word format
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 12
|Section12. Claim Construction Issue Identification
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

In this joint submission, the parties shall not provide argument.

Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 12
|Section12. Claim Construction Issue Identification
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The parties’ Joint Claim Construction Chart should identify for the Court the term(s)/phrase(s) of the claim(s) in issue, and should include each party’s proposed construction of the disputed claim language with citation(s) only to the intrinsic evidence in support of their respective proposed constructions.

Document
Joint claim construction chart

Should include

  • Proposed constructions
  • Intrinsic evidence citations only
Rule 16 Scheduling Order - Patent - Revised 3 2025 · Mar 2025 · p. 12
|Section12. Claim Construction Issue Identification
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motion for Claim Construction must be filed concurrently with Joint Claim Construction Brief, contain no argument, and use specific mandated language.

Court's wording

Each party shall file concurrently with the Joint Claim Construction Brief a "Motion for Claim Construction" that requests the Court to adopt the claim construction position(s) of that party set forth in the Joint Claim Construction Brief. The motion shall not contain any argument and shall simply state that the party "requests that the Court adopt the claim construction position[s] of [the party] set forth in the Joint Claim Construction Brief (D.I. [ ])."

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Joint letter submission required by claim construction brief due date containing testimony request, time allocation request, and presentation order.

Court's wording

The parties shall notify the Court, by joint letter submission, no later than the date on which the Joint Claim Construction Brief is due: (i) whether they request leave to present testimony at the hearing; (ii) the amount of time they are requesting be allocated to them for the hearing; and (iii) the order in which they intend to present the claim terms at issue, including which side will present first for each term.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Any non-dispositive motion should contain the statement required by Local Rule 7.1.1.

Document
Non-dispositive motion

Must include

  • Local rule certificate
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motion for Claim Construction must be filed with Joint Claim Construction Brief and contain no argument.

Court's wording

Each party shall file concurrently with the Joint Claim Construction Brief a “Motion for Claim Construction” that requests the Court to adopt the claim construction position(s) of that party set forth in the Joint Claim Construction Brief. The motion shall not contain any argument and shall simply state that the party “requests that the Court adopt the claim construction position[s] of [the party] set forth in the Joint Claim Construction Brief (D.I. [ ]).”

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Parties must notify Court by joint letter of testimony request, time allocation, and presentation order for claim construction hearing.

Court's wording

The parties shall notify the Court, by joint letter submission, no later than the date on which the Joint Claim Construction Brief is due: (i) whether they request leave to present testimony at the hearing; (ii) the amount of time they are requesting be allocated to them for the hearing; and (iii) the order in which they intend to present the claim terms at issue, including which side will present first for each term.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Expert witness subject matter must be specified and cannot be deviated from without approval.

Court's wording

[For any expert witness, the Plaintiff shall indicate the precise subject matter on which it will ask the Court to recognize the witness's expertise. At trial, the Plaintiff should offer the witness as an expert on that same subject matter. No deviations as to the described subject matter will be permitted without approval of all parties or the Court, on good cause shown.]

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 3
|SectionList of Witnesses the Plaintiff Expects to Call
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Any witness not listed will be precluded from testifying, absent good cause shown.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 3
|SectionWitness List Requirements
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Defendant expert witness subject matter must be specified and cannot be deviated from without approval.

Court's wording

[For any expert witness, the Defendant shall indicate the precise subject matter on which it will ask the Court to recognize the witness's expertise. At trial, the Defendant should offer the witness as an expert on that same subject matter. No deviations as to the described subject matter will be permitted without approval of all parties or the Court, on good cause shown.]

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 4
|SectionList of Witnesses the Defendant Expects to Call
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Party calling witness by deposition must submit highlighted deposition and cover letter identifying objections no later than 2 calendar days before trial.

Court's wording

If there are objections that remain to be resolved, the party calling the witness by deposition shall, no later than two (2) calendar days before the witness is to be called at trial, submit, on behalf of all parties: (i) a copy of the entire deposition testimony of the witness at issue, clearly highlighting the designations, counter-designations, and pending objections; and (ii) a cover letter clearly identifying the pending objections as well as a brief indication (i.e., no

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 4
|SectionTestimony by Deposition
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

[Counsel should confer prior to the pretrial conference to determine which testimony will be offered by deposition (including video tape depositions), to agree on the designation of those portions of the depositions to be offered into evidence, and to identify objections.] This pretrial order contains the maximum universe of deposition designations, counter-designations, and objections to admission of deposition testimony; none ofthe foregoing shall be supplemented without approval of all parties or leave ofthe Court, on good cause shown.

Document
Pretrial order

Must include

  • Deposition designations
CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 4
|SectionTestimony by Deposition
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Demonstratives for opening statements must be exchanged by 8:00 p.m. two nights before, with objections due by noon the day before.

Court's wording

The parties will exchange demonstratives to be used in opening statements by 8:00 p.m. two nights before opening statements. The parties will provide any objections to such demonstratives by 12:00 p.m (noon) on the day before opening statements.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 7
|SectionDemonstrative Exhibits
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Direct examination demonstratives must be provided by 6:00 p.m. the night before, with objections due by 8:00 p.m.

Court's wording

A party will provide demonstrative exhibits to be used in connection with direct examination by 6:00p.m. the night before their intended use, and objections will be provided no later than 8:00p.m. the night before their intended use.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 7
|SectionDemonstrative Exhibits
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Failure to comply with these procedures, absent an agreement by the parties and approval by the Court, will result in waiver of the use of an exhibit or waiver of objection to the exhibit.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 8
|SectionDemonstrative Exhibits
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Unresolved objections to demonstratives must be brought to Court's attention before opening statements or witness testimony.

Court's wording

If good faith efforts to resolve objections to demonstrative exhibits fail, the objecting party shall bring its objections to the Court's attention prior to the opening statements or prior to the applicable witness being called to the witness stand.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 8
|SectionDemonstrative Exhibits
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions in limine shall not be separately filed. All in limine requests and responses thereto shall be set forth in the proposed pretrial order.

Document
Pretrial order

Must include

  • Motions in limine
CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 8
|SectionMotions in Limine
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

No separate Conclusions of Law shall be filed.

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 9
|SectionXII. Non-Jury Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Final Pretrial Order must include a certification of good faith settlement efforts with description and date of recent discussions.

Court's wording

[Provide a certification that the parties have engaged in a good faith effort to explore the resolution of the controversy by settlement, including a description of the overall extent of such efforts and identification of the date of the most recent substantive discussions regarding settlement.]

CJB-PatentPTO · Jun 2014 · p. 11
|SectionXVII. Settlement

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Mediation statements must not be electronically filed; deliver to Clerk's Office in envelope.

Mediation statements shall not be electronically filed since they are not part of the Court record.

Civil cases

Page 3 | CONFIDENTIAL MEDIATION STATEMENTS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Deliver completed AO Form 187 exhibit list to Courtroom Deputy on or before the first day of trial.

On or before the first day of trial, counsel will deliver to the Courtroom Deputy a completed AO Form 187 exhibit list for each party.

Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. Exhibits

Provide objections to exhibits by 7:30 p.m. the night before their intended use.

and objections will be provided no later than 7:30 p.m. the night before their intended use.

Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. Exhibits

Exchange demonstratives for opening statements by 8:00 p.m. two nights before opening statements.

The parties will exchange demonstratives to be used in opening statements by 8:00 p.m. two nights before opening statements.

Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. Exhibits

Provide demonstrative exhibits for direct examination by 3:00 p.m. the day before their intended use.

A party will provide demonstrative exhibits to be used in connection with direct examination by 3:00 p.m. the day before their intended use

Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. Exhibits

Provide exhibits for direct examination by 3:00 p.m. the day before their intended use.

A party will provide exhibits to be used in connection with direct examination by 3:00 p.m. the day before their intended use

Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. Exhibits

Provide objections to demonstratives for opening statements by 12:00 noon the day before opening statements.

The parties will provide any objections to such demonstratives by 12:00 noon on the day before opening statements.

Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. Exhibits

Opposition to a motion to amend must be filed within 7 days of the motion.

Within seven (7) days after the filing of a motion in compliance with this Order, any party opposing such a motion shall file a responsive letter, not to exceed five (5) single-spaced pages.

Civil cases

Page 8 | Motions to Amend

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to amend.

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to amend.

Civil cases

Page 8 | Motions to Amend

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to stay.

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to stay.

Civil cases

Page 9 | 9. Motions to Stay

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike.

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike.

Civil cases

Page 9 | 8. Motions to Strike

Case dispositive motions must be filed by a specified deadline approximately four months before the pretrial conference.

All case dispositive motions, an opening brief, and affidavits, if any, in support of the motion shall be served and filed on or before ____________, 202_ [a date approximately four months prior to the pretrial conference].

Civil cases

Page 10 | 11. Case Dispositive Motions

If any party wishes to contest this request, it may do so by filing a responsive letter brief of no more than four (4) single-spaced pages, within seven (7) days from the date the requesting party filed its brief.

If any party wishes to contest this request, it may do so by filing a responsive letter brief of no more than four (4) single-spaced pages, within seven (7) days from the date the requesting party filed its brief.

Civil cases

Page 10 | 11. Case Dispositive Motions

Should counsel find it will be necessary to apply to the Court for a protective order specifying terms and conditions for the disclosure of confidential information, counsel should confer and attempt to reach an agreement on a proposed form of order and file it with the Court within ten (10) days from the date of this Order.

Should counsel find it will be necessary to apply to the Court for a protective order specifying terms and conditions for the disclosure of confidential information, counsel should confer and attempt to reach an agreement on a proposed form of order and file it with the Court within ten (10) days from the date of this Order.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Application to Court for Protective Order

Delaware counsel must submit a WiFi access request form via the Court's website at least 5 business days before mediation.

It is the responsibility of Delaware counsel to complete and submit the required form on the website to obtain authorization of the Court, no later than 5 business days prior to the date on which the mediation conference is scheduled. Failure to submit the request in accordance with the Court's website will result in the request being denied.

Civil cases

Page 7

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Delaware counsel must inform out-of-state counsel about this Order.

Delaware counsel are reminded of their obligations to inform out-of-state counsel of this Order.

Civil cases

Page 7

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies (2) required for all briefs and supporting documents, due by noon the business day after electronic filing.

The parties shall provide to the Court two (2) courtesy copies of all briefs and any other document filed in support of any briefs (i.e., appendices, exhibits, declarations, affidavits, etc.). This provision also applies to papers filed under seal. Unless ordered differently by the Court, such copies must be provided to the Court by no later than noon the business day after the filing is made electronically.

Civil cases

Page 3 | Courtesy Copies

Parties must comply with courtesy copy requirements for discovery dispute filings or the telephone conference may be cancelled.

The parties shall also comply with paragraph 5 regarding the submission of courtesy copies; if they fail to do so, the telephone conference may be cancelled.

Civil cases

Page 8 | Discovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders

Courtesy copies required for discovery teleconferences

The parties shall also comply with paragraph 5 regarding the submission of courtesy copies; if they fail to do so, the telephone conference may be cancelled.

Civil cases

Page 8 | Courtesy Copy Requirement

This submission shall be accompanied by a courtesy copy containing electronic files of these documents, in Word format, which may be submitted by e-mail to the trial judge's staff.

This submission shall be accompanied by a courtesy copy containing electronic files of these documents, in Word format, which may be submitted by e-mail to the trial judge's staff.

Civil cases

Page 18 | Jury Instructions, Voir Dire, and Special Verdict Forms

Two courtesy copies required for briefs and supporting documents, including sealed papers, by noon next business day.

The parties shall provide to the Court two (2) courtesy copies of all briefs and any other document filed in support of any briefs (i.e., appendices, exhibits, declarations, affidavits, etc.). This provision also applies to papers filed under seal. Unless ordered differently by the Court, such copies must be provided to the Court by no later than noon the business day after the filing is made electronically.

Civil cases

Two courtesy copies of all briefs and supporting documents (including sealed papers) must be delivered to chambers by noon the next business day after electronic filing.

The parties shall provide to the Court two (2) courtesy copies of all briefs and any other document filed in support of any briefs (i.e., appendices, exhibits, declarations, affidavits, etc.). This provision also applies to papers filed under seal. Unless ordered differently by the Court, such copies must be provided to the Court by no later than noon the business day after the filing is made electronically.

Civil cases

Page 3 | Courtesy Copies

Parties must comply with courtesy copy requirements in paragraph 5; failure may cancel telephone conference.

The parties shall also comply with paragraph 5 regarding the submission of courtesy copies; if they fail to do so, the telephone conference may be cancelled.

Civil cases

Page 6 | Discovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders

Counsel must provide courtesy copies of all filings to District Judge in pro se cases with objections.

IT IS ORDERED THAT in all pro se cases in which such objections are filed, unless otherwise ordered by the District Judge, the party represented by counsel must provide the District Judge to whom the case is assigned a courtesy copy of all filings (e.g., motions, briefs, appendices) associated with the matter to which the R&R or Order relates.

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER IN PRO SE MATTERS FOR OBJECTIONS FILED UNDER FED. R. CIV. P. 72

Courtesy copies must be delivered within 5 days after objections are filed.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT such courtesy copies shall be provided to the District Judge no later than five (5) days after the objections are filed.

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER IN PRO SE MATTERS

Courtesy copies must be provided to District Judge within 5 days of filing objections.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT such courtesy copies shall be provided to the District Judge no later than five (5) days after the objections are filed.

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER IN PRO SE MATTERS FOR OBJECTIONS FILED UNDER FED. R. CIV. P. 72

In pro se cases with objections under FRCP 72, represented parties must provide courtesy copies of all related filings to the District Judge.

IT IS ORDERED THAT in all pro se cases in which such objections are filed, unless otherwise ordered by the District Judge, the party represented by counsel must provide the District Judge to whom the case is assigned a courtesy copy of all filings (e.g., motions, briefs, appendices) associated with the matter to which the R&R or Order relates.

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER IN PRO SE MATTERS

Two courtesy copies required for briefs and supporting documents; one copy for other documents.

Unless a specific Order to the contrary is entered in a case, all parties shall provide to the Court two (2) courtesy copies of all briefs (including letter briefs), as well as any documents filed in support of such briefs (i.e., appendices, exhibits, declarations, affidavits, tutorials, etc.). All parties shall provide one (1) copy of any other document filed (e.g., letters and stipulations).

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTESY COPIES

Courtesy copies for sealed documents must be delivered by noon next business day.

This Order also applies to papers filed under seal. Unless ordered differently by the Court, such copies must be provided to the Court by no later than noon the business day after the filing is made electronically.

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTESY COPIES

Objecting party must provide courtesy copies of all filings to the District Judge within 5 days after filing objections.

the objecting party must provide the District Judge to whom the case is assigned a courtesy copy of all filings (e.g., motions, briefs, appendices) associated with the matter to which the R&R or Order relates. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT such courtesy copies shall be provided to the District Judge no later than five (5) days after the objections are filed.

Civil cases

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER IN NON-PRO SE MATTERS FOR OBJECTIONS FILED UNDER FED. R. CIV. P. 72

the parties should file (i) proposed voir dire, (ii) preliminary jury instructions, (iii) final jury instructions, and (iv) special verdict forms three (3) full business days before the final pretrial conference. This submission shall be accompanied by a courtesy copy containing electronic files of these documents, in Word format, which may be submitted by e-mail to the trial judge's staff.

the parties should file (i) proposed voir dire, (ii) preliminary jury instructions, (iii) final jury instructions, and (iv) special verdict forms three (3) full business days before the final pretrial conference. This submission shall be accompanied by a courtesy copy containing electronic files of these documents, in Word format, which may be submitted by e-mail to the trial judge's staff.

Civil cases

Page 18 | Jury Instructions, Voir Dire, and Special Verdict Forms

three (3) full business days before the final pretrial conference. This submission shall be accompanied by a courtesy copy containing electronic files of these documents, in Word format, which may be submitted by e-mail to the trial judge’s staff.

three (3) full business days before the final pretrial conference. This submission shall be accompanied by a courtesy copy containing electronic files of these documents, in Word format, which may be submitted by e-mail to the trial judge’s staff.

Civil cases

Page 13 | Pretrial

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Redacted versions of sealed documents must be filed electronically within 7 days of the sealed filing.

When filing papers under seal, counsel shall follow the District Court's policy on Filing Sealed Civil Documents in CM/ECF and section G of the Administrative Procedures Governing Filing and Service by Electronic Means. A redacted version of any sealed document shall be filed electronically within seven (7) days of the filing of the sealed document.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Papers Filed Under Seal

Redacted version of sealed documents must be filed electronically within 7 days.

When filing papers under seal, counsel shall follow the District Court’s policy on Filing Sealed Civil Documents in CM/ECF and section G of the Administrative Procedures Governing Filing and Service by Electronic Means. A redacted version of any sealed document shall be filed electronically within seven (7) days of the filing of the sealed document.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Papers Filed Under Seal

Should any party intend to request to seal or redact all or any portion of a transcript of a court proceeding (including a teleconference), such party should expressly note that intent at the start of the court proceeding. Should the party subsequently choose to make a request for sealing or redaction, it must, promptly after the completion of the transcript, file with the Court a motion for sealing/redaction, and include as attachments: (1) a copy of the complete transcript highlighted so the Court can easily identify and read the text proposed to be sealed/redacted; and (2) a copy of the proposed redacted/sealed transcript. With its request, the party seeking redactions must demonstrate why there is good cause for the redactions and why disclosure of

Should any party intend to request to seal or redact all or any portion of a transcript of a court proceeding (including a teleconference), such party should expressly note that intent at the start of the court proceeding. Should the party subsequently choose to make a request for sealing or redaction, it must, promptly after the completion of the transcript, file with the Court a motion for sealing/redaction, and include as attachments: (1) a copy of the complete transcript highlighted so the Court can easily identify and read the text proposed to be sealed/redacted; and (2) a copy of the proposed redacted/sealed transcript. With its request, the party seeking redactions must demonstrate why there is good cause for the redactions and why disclosure of

Civil cases

Page 2 | Papers Filed Under Seal

Transcript sealing/redaction requires motion with highlighted transcript and proposed redacted version.

Should any party intend to request to seal or redact all or any portion of a transcript of a court proceeding (including a teleconference), such party should expressly note that intent at the start of the court proceeding. Should the party subsequently choose to make a request for sealing or redaction, it must, promptly after the completion of the transcript, file with the Court a motion for sealing/redaction, and include as attachments: (1) a copy of the complete transcript highlighted so the Court can easily identify and read the text proposed to be sealed/redacted; and (2) a copy of the proposed redacted/sealed transcript. With its request, the party seeking redactions must demonstrate why there is good cause for the redactions and why disclosure of

Civil cases

Page 2 | Papers Filed Under Seal

ADR communications are confidential and not open to the public.

The contents of any written and oral statements made by the participants or their representatives during or in relation to a court-sponsored ADR proceeding, including any ADR-related telephonic or other communications made directly to the Court at any point in the case, are confidential. Disclosure of confidential ADR communications is prohibited , except as authorized by the Court or agreed to by the parties. The ADR process itself is confidential and not open to the public.

Page 1 | Standing Order

ADR proceedings, communications, and mediation statements are confidential and must not be e-filed or docketed.

The contents of any written and oral statements made by the participants or their representatives during or in relation to a court-sponsored ADR proceeding, including any ADR-related telephonic or other communications made directly to the Court at any point in the case, are confidential. Disclosure of confidential ADR communications is prohibited , except as authorized by the Court or agreed to by the parties. The ADR process itself is confidential and not open to the public. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any communications regarding the ADR/mediation process, including but not limited to the scheduling or rescheduling of teleconferences or mediation dates, are not to bee-filed or docketed.

Page 1 | ALL MATTERS REFERRED TO A MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION/MEDIATION

Should any party intend to request to seal or redact all or any portion of a transcript of a court proceeding (including a teleconference), such party should expressly note that intent at the start of the court proceeding. Should the party subsequently choose to make a request for sealing or redaction, it must, promptly after the completion of the transcript, file with the Court a motion for sealing/redaction, and include as attachments: (1) a copy of the complete transcript highlighted so the Court can easily identify and read the text proposed to be sealed/redacted; and (2) a copy of the proposed redacted/sealed transcript. With its request, the party seeking redactions must demonstrate why there is good cause for the redactions and why disclosure of

Should any party intend to request to seal or redact all or any portion of a transcript of a court proceeding (including a teleconference), such party should expressly note that intent at the start of the court proceeding. Should the party subsequently choose to make a request for sealing or redaction, it must, promptly after the completion of the transcript, file with the Court a motion for sealing/redaction, and include as attachments: (1) a copy of the complete transcript highlighted so the Court can easily identify and read the text proposed to be sealed/redacted; and (2) a copy of the proposed redacted/sealed transcript. With its request, the party seeking redactions must demonstrate why there is good cause for the redactions and why disclosure of

Civil cases

Page 2 | Papers Filed Under Seal

When filing sealed documents, file a redacted version electronically within 7 days, following the District Court's sealed filing policy.

When filing papers under seal, counsel shall follow the District Court’s policy on Filing Sealed Civil Documents in CM/ECF and section G of the Administrative Procedures Governing Filing and Service by Electronic Means. A redacted version of any sealed document shall be filed electronically within seven (7) days of the filing of the sealed document.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Papers Filed Under Seal

Filing Bundling Requirements

Separate briefing on in limine requests is prohibited; all arguments must be included in the pretrial order.

No separate briefing shall be submitted on in limine requests, unless otherwise permitted by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 5 | IX. Motions in Limine

Motions in limine must not be filed separately; they must be included in the proposed pretrial order.

Motions in limine shall not be separately filed.

Civil cases

Page 5 | IX. Motions in Limine

Motions in limine must be bundled into the proposed pretrial order and not filed separately.

Motions in limine shall not be separately filed. All in limine requests and responses thereto shall be set forth in the proposed pretrial order.

Civil cases

Page 18 | Motions in Limine

Motions in limine must be included in the proposed pretrial order and not filed separately; no separate briefing is allowed.

Motions in limine shall not be separately filed. All in limine requests and responses thereto shall be set forth in the proposed pretrial order. No separate briefing shall be submitted on in limine requests, unless otherwise permitted by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 12 | Motions in Limine

ADR/mediation communications must not be filed or docketed.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any communications regarding the ADR/mediation process, including but not limited to the scheduling or rescheduling of teleconferences or mediation dates, are not to bee-filed or docketed. Such communications are to be made as designated or ordered by the Magistrate Judge. Mediation statements are not to bee-filed or docketed.

Page 1 | Standing Order

When multiple parties support or oppose the same in limine request, they must combine into a single submission within the page limits.

If more than one party is supporting or opposing an in limine request, such support or opposition shall be combined in a single three (3)-page single-spaced submission (and, if the moving party, a single one (1)-page single-spaced reply), unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 12 | Motions in Limine

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a "Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Motion to Resolve Discovery Dispute."

The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a "Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Motion to Resolve Discovery Dispute."

Civil cases

Page 7 | Motion for Teleconference

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: Dear Judge Burke: The parties in the above-referenced matter write to request the scheduling of a discovery teleconference. The following attorneys, including at least one Delaware Counsel and at least one Lead Counsel per party, participated in a verbal meet-and-confer (in person and/or by telephone) on the following date(s): Delaware Counsel: ___________________ Lead Counsel: _______________________ The disputes requiring judicial attention are listed below: [provide here a non-argumentative list of disputes requiring judicial attention] iii. The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a "Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Motion to Resolve Discovery Dispute."

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: Dear Judge Burke: The parties in the above-referenced matter write to request the scheduling of a discovery teleconference. The following attorneys, including at least one Delaware Counsel and at least one Lead Counsel per party, participated in a verbal meet-and-confer (in person and/or by telephone) on the following date(s): Delaware Counsel: ___________________ Lead Counsel: _______________________ The disputes requiring judicial attention are listed below: [provide here a non-argumentative list of disputes requiring judicial attention] iii. The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a "Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Motion to Resolve Discovery Dispute."

Civil cases

Page 7 | Discovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form:

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form:

Civil cases

Page 7 | Joint Letter Requirement

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a dispute regarding the initial drafting of a protective order, the parties involved in the dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: Dear Judge Burke: The parties in the above-referenced matter write to request the scheduling of a

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a dispute regarding the initial drafting of a protective order, the parties involved in the dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: Dear Judge Burke: The parties in the above-referenced matter write to request the scheduling of a

Civil cases

Page 8 | Discovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders

Briefing schedule for motions to amend: opposition due 7 days after filing, reply due 3 days after opposition.

Within seven (7) days after the filing of a motion in compliance with this Order, any party opposing such a motion shall file a responsive letter... Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter...

Civil cases

Page 10 | Joinder of Other Parties and Amendment of Pleadings

Case dispositive motions under Rule 56 cannot be filed more than 10 days before deadline without leave.

No case dispositive motion under Rule 56 may be filed more than ten (10) days before the above date without leave of the Court.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Case Dispositive Motions

Case dispositive motions in ANDA cases require party agreement and prior Court approval.

Absent agreement between the parties, and prior approval from the Court, the Court will not hear case dispositive motions in ANDA cases.

Civil cases

Page 14 | Case Dispositive Motions

Early case dispositive motions require leave with 4-page letter brief; responsive briefs limited to 4 pages within 7 days; no reply briefs.

No early motions without leave. No case dispositive motion under Rule 56 may be filed more than ten (10) days before the above date without leave of the Court. A party seeking leave to file a case dispositive motion prior to ten (10) days before the deadline set forth above shall do so by filing a motion and an accompanying letter brief with the Court of no more than four (4) single-spaced pages, explaining the reasons why an earlier-filed motion should be permitted. If any party wishes to contest this request, it may do so by filing a responsive letter brief of no more than four (4) single-spaced pages, within seven (7) days from the date the requesting party filed its brief. No reply briefs shall be filed.

Civil cases

Any discovery motion filed without first complying with the following procedures will be denied without prejudice to renew pursuant to these procedures. Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: [template]. The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a 'Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute.' The Court will thereafter set a discovery dispute telephone conference and a briefing schedule.

Any discovery motion filed without first complying with the following procedures will be denied without prejudice to renew pursuant to these procedures. Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: [template]. The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a 'Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute.' The Court will thereafter set a discovery dispute telephone conference and a briefing schedule.

Civil cases

Page 5 | Discovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a dispute regarding the initial drafting of a protective order, the parties involved in the dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: Dear Judge Burke: The parties in the above-referenced matter write to request the scheduling of a teleconference to resolve a protective order dispute. The following attorneys, including at least one Delaware Counsel and at least one Lead Counsel per party, participated in a verbal meet-and-confer (in person and/or by telephone) on the following date(s): Delaware Counsel: ___________________ Lead Counsel: _______________________ The disputes requiring judicial attention are listed below: [provide here a non-argumentative list of disputes requiring judicial attention] The parties shall also file a "Joint Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Protective Order Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Joint Motion to Resolve Protective Order Dispute." The Court will thereafter set a protective order dispute teleconference and a briefing schedule. Along with their respective letter briefs, each side should include as an attachment the side's proposal as to how the content of the disputed portion(s) of the protective order should read. The parties shall also comply with paragraph 5 regarding the submission of courtesy copies; if they fail to do so, the telephone conference may be cancelled.

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a dispute regarding the initial drafting of a protective order, the parties involved in the dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form: Dear Judge Burke: The parties in the above-referenced matter write to request the scheduling of a teleconference to resolve a protective order dispute. The following attorneys, including at least one Delaware Counsel and at least one Lead Counsel per party, participated in a verbal meet-and-confer (in person and/or by telephone) on the following date(s): Delaware Counsel: ___________________ Lead Counsel: _______________________ The disputes requiring judicial attention are listed below: [provide here a non-argumentative list of disputes requiring judicial attention] The parties shall also file a "Joint Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Protective Order Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Joint Motion to Resolve Protective Order Dispute." The Court will thereafter set a protective order dispute teleconference and a briefing schedule. Along with their respective letter briefs, each side should include as an attachment the side's proposal as to how the content of the disputed portion(s) of the protective order should read. The parties shall also comply with paragraph 5 regarding the submission of courtesy copies; if they fail to do so, the telephone conference may be cancelled.

Civil cases

Page 7 | Protective Order Dispute Procedure

Early summary judgment motions (more than 10 days before the deadline) require leave of court.

No case dispositive motion under Rule 56 may be filed more than ten (10) days before the above date without leave of the Court.

Civil cases

Page 10 | 11. Case Dispositive Motions

Court may order further briefing after teleconference or may resolve dispute before conference and cancel it.

Should the Court find further briefing necessary upon the conclusion of the telephone conference, the Court will order it. Alternatively, the Court may choose to resolve the dispute prior to the telephone conference and will, in that event, cancel the conference.

Civil cases

Page 8 | Discovery Matters and Disputes Relating to Protective Orders

Chambers Communication Rules

Joint Claim Construction Chart must be emailed in Word format to chambers at Samantha_Miller@ded.uscourts.gov.

The Joint Claim Construction Chart, in Word format, shall be e-mailed simultaneously with filing to Samantha_Miller@ded.uscourts.gov.

Civil cases

Page 12 | Claim Construction Issue Identification

Counsel must immediately advise the Court of any compliance problems to avoid sanctions.

To avoid the imposition of sanctions, counsel shall advise the Court immediately of any problems regarding compliance with this Order.

Civil cases

Page 7

Parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike by the reply deadline.

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike.

Civil cases

Page 9 | 8. Motions to Strike

Parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to stay by the reply deadline.

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to stay.

Civil cases

Page 9 | 9. Motions to Stay

If any party has questions about these timing requirements, they should contact Judge Burke’s Chambers by phone in advance of the mediation to address those questions.

If any party has questions about these timing requirements, they should contact Judge Burke’s Chambers by phone in advance of the mediation to address those questions.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TIMING OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM MEDIATION

Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Judge encourages newer attorneys to argue motions they contributed to briefing for.

Recognizing the importance of the development of future generations of practitioners through courtroom opportunities, the undersigned Judge encourages the participation of newer attorneys in proceedings in my courtroom-particularly as to oral argument on motions where the newer attorney drafted or contributed significantly to the briefing for the motion.

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS

1) After a motion is fully briefed, either as part of a Request for Oral Argument, or in a separate Notice filed thereafter, a party may alert the Court that, if argument is granted, it intends to have a newer attorney argue the motion (or a portion of the motion).

1) After a motion is fully briefed, either as part of a Request for Oral Argument, or in a separate Notice filed thereafter, a party may alert the Court that, if argument is granted, it intends to have a newer attorney argue the motion (or a portion of the motion).

Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS

(2) If such notice is provided, the Court will: (A) Grant the request for oral argument on the motion, if it is at all practicable to do so.

(2) If such notice is provided, the Court will: (A) Grant the request for oral argument on the motion, if it is at all practicable to do so.

Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS

Court draws no inference from decision not to have newer attorney argue.

The Court also recognizes that there may be many different circumstances in which it is not appropriate for a newer attorney to argue a motion. Thus, the Court emphasizes that it draws no inference from a party's decision not to have a newer attorney argue any particular motion before the Court.

Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS

Court will consider allocating additional time for oral argument with newer attorney.

(B) Strongly consider allocating additional time for oral argument beyond what the Court may otherwise have allocated, were a newer attorney not arguing the motion.

Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS

Court draws no inference about motion importance or merits based on newer attorney participation.

Additionally, the Court will draw no inference about the importance of a particular motion, or the merits of a party's argument regarding the motion, from the party's decision to have (or not to have) a newer attorney argue the motion.

Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS

About United States Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke

Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke has served as a full-time Magistrate Judge in the District of Delaware since August 4, 2011.

The court's website does not provide biographical information, educational background, or career history prior to Judge Burke's appointment as Magistrate Judge.

Chambers Staff

  • Career Law Clerk: Melanie L. Crawford (serving since 2012)
    • B.A., Widener University
    • J.D., Widener University School of Law

Courthouse: J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, 844 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801-3555 Chambers: Room 2325, Unit 28 Courtroom: 2A Phone: (302) 573-4591 Conference Phone: (302) 573-4595 (court-scheduled teleconferences only)

Chambers Staff

  • Courtroom Deputy: Samantha Miller
  • Career Law Clerk: Melanie L. Crawford

Note: Delaware is a major patent and corporate litigation court. Magistrate judges in this district handle a significant volume of discovery disputes and pretrial matters in patent cases.

Common questions about Judge Christopher J. Burke's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Christopher J. Burke?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for briefs, exhibits, declarations, affidavits, and appendices. Details: 2 copies, delivery within 24 hours. Two courtesy copies required for briefs and supporting documents, including sealed papers, by noon next business day.

Does Judge Christopher J. Burke require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a "Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Motion to Resolve Discovery Dispute."

View ruleSource: page 7, section Motion for Teleconference

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

Judge Christopher J. Burke's rule states these limits: 3 pages; 3 pages; 1 pages; 3 pages; 1 pages. In limine requests: support and opposition limited to 3 pages each, reply limited to 1 page. If multiple parties support or oppose, they must combine into a single 3-page submission (and single 1-page reply).

View ruleSource: page 5, section IX. Motions in Limine

What page or word limits apply before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

Judge Christopher J. Burke's rule states these limits: attorney: 40 pages. Combined page limits: 40 pages per side for case dispositive motions, increased to 50/50/25 with Daubert motions.

View ruleSource: page 15, section combined page limits

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

Judge Christopher J. Burke's formatting rule includes file format PDF and 8.5 x 11 pdf copies for irregularly sized physical exhibits. Irregularly sized physical demonstratives must be provided as 8.5 x 11 PDF copies.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Demonstrative Exhibits

What must be included with letter brief filings before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

The rule requires exhibit list. To the extent that factual issues are disputed or are otherwise central to the Court's analysis, the parties shall attach as an exhibit (or exhibits) to their letter briefs sworn declarations or affidavits regarding those issues.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Factual Issues Exhibits

What must be included with joint claim construction brief filings before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

The rule requires filing required. Parties must file Joint Claim Construction Brief by specified date.

View ruleSource: page 12, section 13. Claim Construction Briefing

How may parties contact Judge Christopher J. Burke's chambers?

The rule lists email Samantha_Miller@ded.uscourts.gov. Joint Claim Construction Chart must be emailed in Word format to chambers at Samantha_Miller@ded.uscourts.gov.

View ruleSource: page 12, section Claim Construction Issue Identification

How does Judge Christopher J. Burke handle sealed or redacted filings?

Process: file redacted on ecf. Redacted version of sealed documents must be filed electronically within 7 days.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Papers Filed Under Seal

Does Judge Christopher J. Burke require motion papers to be bundled?

Motions in limine must not be filed separately; they must be included in the proposed pretrial order.

View ruleSource: page 5, section IX. Motions in Limine

Is electronic filing required before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Mediation statements must not be electronically filed; deliver to Clerk's Office in envelope.

View ruleSource: page 3, section CONFIDENTIAL MEDIATION STATEMENTS

What filing deadlines does Judge Christopher J. Burke set?

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to amend.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Motions to Amend

What rule applies to service for mediation order before Judge Christopher J. Burke?

Delaware counsel must inform out-of-state counsel about this Order.

View ruleSource: page 7

Does Judge Christopher J. Burke encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Christopher J. Burke's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court will consider allocating additional time for oral argument with newer attorney.

View ruleSource: page 2, section STANDING ORDER REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWER ATTORNEYS
Complete rules summary for Judge Christopher J. Burke

Markman briefs must include a proposed construction for each disputed term, even if the term should be given its plain and ordinary meaning.

Exchange demonstratives for opening statements by 8:00 p.m. two nights before opening statements.

Provide exhibits for direct examination by 3:00 p.m. the day before their intended use.

Provide objections to demonstratives for opening statements by 12:00 noon the day before opening statements.

Provide objections to exhibits by 7:30 p.m. the night before their intended use.

Provide demonstrative exhibits for direct examination by 3:00 p.m. the day before their intended use.

Submit transcript and summary of objections with draft pretrial order if objections need resolution.

The party seeking to use a demonstrative will provide a color representation of the demonstrative to the other side in PDF form. However, for video or animations, the party seeking to use the demonstrative will provide it to the other side on a DVD or CD. For irregularly sized physical exhibits, the party seeking to use the demonstrative will provide a color representation as a PDF of 8.5 x 11 copies of the exhibits.

Motions in limine must not be filed separately; they must be included in the proposed pretrial order.

Separate briefing on in limine requests is prohibited; all arguments must be included in the pretrial order.

In limine requests: support and opposition limited to 3 pages each, reply limited to 1 page. If multiple parties support or oppose, they must combine into a single 3-page submission (and single 1-page reply).

Initial briefs in non-jury trials must include proposed Findings of Fact in numbered paragraphs and Conclusions of Law with supporting citations.

Deliver completed AO Form 187 exhibit list to Courtroom Deputy on or before the first day of trial.

The proposed final pretrial order must include a certification of good faith settlement efforts.

The proposed pretrial order must include all in limine requests and responses, and each request and response must cite supporting authorities.

Combined page limits: 40 pages per side for case dispositive motions, increased to 50/50/25 with Daubert motions.

Redacted version of sealed documents must be filed electronically within 7 days.

Two courtesy copies required for briefs and supporting documents, including sealed papers, by noon next business day.

The moving party (i.e., the party seeking relief from the Court) should also file a "Motion For Teleconference To Resolve Discovery Dispute." The suggested text for this motion can be found in Judge Burke's section of the Court's website, in the "Forms" tab, under the heading "Discovery Matters - Motion to Resolve Discovery Dispute."

Should counsel find, after good faith efforts—including verbal communication among Delaware and Lead Counsel for all parties to the dispute—that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter or a dispute regarding a protective order (other than that involving the initial drafting of a protective order, which is discussed further below), the parties involved in the discovery matter or protective order dispute shall file a joint letter in substantially the following form:

Transcript sealing/redaction requires motion with highlighted transcript and proposed redacted version.

To the extent that factual issues are disputed or are otherwise central to the Court's analysis, the parties shall attach as an exhibit (or exhibits) to their letter briefs sworn declarations or affidavits regarding those issues.

Parties must file Joint Claim Construction Brief by specified date.

Courtesy copies required for discovery teleconferences

Within three (3) days thereafter, the moving party may file a reply letter, not to exceed two (2) single-spaced pages, and, by this same date, the parties may file a letter requesting a teleconference to address the motion to strike.

Motions to stay must be accompanied by a letter (max 3 single-spaced pages) instead of an opening brief.

The parties may (though they are not required to) provide the Court, no later than the date on which the Joint Claim Construction Brief is due, with a tutorial on the technology at issue. In this regard, the parties may separately submit a DVD/flash drive containing a tutorial that is not more than 30 minutes in length.

Moving party may file reply letter (max 2 single-spaced pages) within 3 days, and parties may request teleconference.

Motions to strike must be accompanied by a 3-page single-spaced letter and the document to be stricken.

Defendant must serve (not file) answering brief on claim construction (max 30 pages) by specified date.

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